Thanksgiving Must-Haves From Trader Joe's

Thanksgiving dinner is oftentimes traditional in some way (even if your tradition doesn’t include “traditional Thanksgiving food”). But if you’re not tasked with the turkey, a pie, or a main side dish (or all of the above—particularly this year when you might be more likely to be celebrating alone), you might be unsure what to contribute—or what to serve. As is practically always the case, Trader Joe’s to the rescue. From snacks and appetizers to alternative mains and festive desserts, here are a few of the best Thanksgiving offerings from Trader Joe’s.

1. Everything But The Leftovers Seasoning

Love Thanksgiving foods? Bring that flavor to roasted potatoes, chicken, and more, even long after Thanksgiving is over.

2. White Stilton Cheese with Cranberries

Cheese and cranberries go oh so well together and this seasonal offering will fit perfectly as the star of a holiday cheeseboard. Serve it before dinner or make it your meal. It’s your holiday, you make the rules.

3. Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Everything’s better with caramelized onions. These little pastry bites are great for any kind of seasonal celebration—even a virtual one.

4. Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips

This might sound strange, but these are… weirdly delicious? Pair with an onion dip of some sort before dinner or just snack on these with your turkey sandwich the next day. A pandemic holiday means lots of leftovers.

5. Olive and Herb Mixed Nuts

Toss some of these onto your cheeseboard to fill it out or just snack on them with a cocktail. Olive and herbs is a classic flavor, so even if you don’t eat them all over Thanksgiving, they’ll taste just as great after the holidays.

6. Pumpkin Bisque

Pumpkin bisque is a super simple appetizer or side dish, but it might feel fussy those years that you’re making a big Thanksgiving dinner. This jarred version means minimal effort for you on the day of, so you can concentrate on whatever else you might be serving.

7. Harvest Apple Salad Kit

Pumpkins and squash might be the stars of Thanksgiving, but apples should absolutely have a place too. This salad combines sweet apple chips with salty cheddar for a combination that’ll feel very festive.

8. Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin

Need another side dish, but also need it to be quick and easy? This broccoli and cauliflower gratin definitely fits. It’s cheesy, but packed with vegetables. The best of both worlds, as far as I’m concerned.

9. Creamed Greens

Again. Cheesy vegetables. What more do you need?

10. Gobbler Quesadilla

Warm this up, slice it, and serve it as an appetizer or eat as an alternative side—or a day-after lunch.

11. Turkey Pot Pie

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving alone and don’t want to have to make a big dinner just for you, this alternative main course gives you all of those classic flavors without any of the dishes.

12. Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving essential, if you ask me. This dessert feels festive, but all you have to do is take it from the freezer to your oven—no mixing, measuring, or rolling required.

13. Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles

What’s more fun and festive than a slightly boozy chocolate truffle? I really like the prosecco, rum, and whisky versions, but thought the gin was a bit overwhelming.

14. Raspberry Stars

These are a Team TEG favorite (our Editorial Director, Allyson, loves them so much, she’s hoping to convince family to bring her a box). They’re slightly sweet and delicate, with a bright raspberry jam in the middle. The perfect bite.